DETROIT -- Not only did the Lions miss the playoffs, but they were slotted 20th in the NFL draft order.

That's last among the non-playoff qualifiers.

The draft order for the top 20 is based on record. At 9-7, the Lions were tied with the Ravens, Chargers, Seahawks and Cowboys for the best record. The first tiebreaker is strength of schedule, where the Lions matched Dallas for the toughest (.4961). The next tiebreaker was record against common opponents in the NFC, where the Lions had the better record.

That's a tough break, although they've picked some solid players there as well. That includes tight end Brandon Pettigrew in 2009, their most recent 20th overall pick. And star defensive lineman Luther Elliss was picked there too in 1995.

But this being the Lions and everything, they've had some duds too. Offensive tackle Stockar McDougle was the 20th overall pick in 2000, and cornerback Terry Fair was taken there too in 1998.

Here is the NFL draft order through the top 20 picks. (The rest will be decided in the playoffs.)

that one stung as the 5-8 corner was taken one pick before some WR named Randy Moss when to the division rival Vikings. How did that matchup work over the years and how many first round picks would the Lions use on WRs after that.

UGH! I still remember the taste of vomit in my mouth after that pick...

that one stung as the 5-8 corner was taken one pick before some WR named Randy Moss when to the division rival Vikings. How did that matchup work over the years and how many first round picks would the Lions use on WRs after that.

UGH! I still remember the taste of vomit in my mouth after that pick...

Yep, remember that one. I believe Chuck Schmidt was GM, and Bobby Ross was HC. The Lions were among the multitude of teams that passed on Moss because of perceived character issues.